摘要 |
<p>A machine (1) for harvesting sugar-beets growing in rows in the soil is provided with a unit for loosening and lifting the sugar-beets, a cleaning unit (11) for cleaning the sugar-beets from soil and stones, and an elevator (12) for transferring the sugar-beets from the cleaning unit (11) to an unloading conveyor (13) positioned at a higher level than said cleaning unit and serving to unload the sugar-beets. The cleaning unit (11) has a number of cleaning rolls (14) having a core on which cleaning pins (17) made of rubber or like material and projecting on either side are mounted, said cleaning pins having a flexural strength such that they do not damage the sides of the root-crops. Furthermore, the cleaning pins (17) are so mounted on the associated cleaning roll (14) that they are equally flexible in all directions. The cleaning unit (11) also has an endless holding-down mat (23) travelling around guide pulleys (22), the lower part (26) of said holding-down mat exerting a load on the sugar-beets againstthe cleaning pins (17). The speed of the holding-down mat (23) can be varied independently of the rotation of the cleaning rolls (14) to adjust the transit time of the sugar-beets in the cleaning unit according to the amount of soil and stones carried along. The object of these steps is to make the cleaning pins (17), in cooperation with the holding-down mat (23) clean the sugar-beets in a gentle manner without causing damage.</p> |